The headquarters

The complex of San Giovanni, at first a convent, later used as barracks, is nowadays a multifunctional complex which is a property of the Province of Terni.

The conventual area of San Giovanni, situated in the medieval quarter of Orvieto, includes a church and a monastery having a very ancient origin. The abbatial church was built in 916, when the Pope Giovanni X retired in Orvieto. In the 11th century the canons were compelled by the Bishop Sigfrido to respect the rule of Sant'Agostino and a convent was built near the church.

The square-shaped cloister has five arches on each side and peculiar ionic capitals; it was erected between 1532 and 1540: the works of this restoration were due to the deed of gift of the bishop Giorgio Della Rovere and to the interest of the bishop of Sutri. Thanks to these works the complex of San Giovanni could be considered as the more accomplished example of the Late-Renaissance architecture in the town.
Antonio da Sangallo The Young (the famous architect who designed Saint Patrick Well situated at the gates of Orvieto), designed the well which is in the middle of this cloister. The well drew water from an original toroidal cistern which stayed underground and gathered the rainwater.
The floor surrounding the well is made with stones collected from the river Paglia, flowing in the valley. This kind of floor is typical of many Renaissance palaces of the town. One can find the same floor on the terrace overlooking the medieval district of Orvieto: from here it is possible to
enjoy the beautiful sight of the green hills surrounding the town, where the famous Orvieto wine is produced.

At present the ground floor hosts art and photo exhibitions and different kinds of exhibition.
It includes a meeting room with 80/100 seats and equipped with all technical fittings.